Color therapy is based on the notion that color is absorbed by the eyes and skin and our magnetic energy field, or aura, and the energy of each color affects us on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. As light and thus color is absorbed and reflected, we end up with different colors, each with its own particular energy. When in a healthy state, our body’s colors are in complete harmony. The trouble begins, however, when this harmony is disrupted, creating a mixture of colors, and also a deficiency of certain colors necessary for normal activity of the organs and mind. The energy relating to each color resonates with the energy of each of the seven main chakras of the body. To restore the inner balance of our body’s colors, then, we need to expose our chakras and meridians to the specific color or colors needed. Colors give off different wavelength frequencies and these different frequencies have different effects on physical and psychological functions and consequently different disorders.

In color therapy, colored light can be used directly on the body's immune system, affecting the body and emotions. It does not actually alter the material make up of the body in any way. The treatment involves the application of colored light to acupuncture points on the skin. An instrument similar to a pen light, instead of acupuncture needles, is used in this process. The color sensitivity of acupuncture receptors on the skin is used to absorb the colored light, and acupuncture meridians then channel healing information encoded in the light to the targeted location where healing is needed.

The energy and uses of the spectrum’s seven colors are as follows:

Red: It stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and excites sexual glands. It energizes the first chakra and is a good color when we have colds and poor circulation. Too much red can over stimulate and make some illnesses worse.

Orange: It affects the second chakra and stimulates appetite. It is a good color for illnesses of the colon and helps in digestive problems.

Yellow: It energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite, and helps in digestive problems. Spiritually it is the color of wisdom and connects us to our mental self.

Green: It affects the heart chakra and has a calming effect and balances the nervous system. Green is soothing, and helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness. It is a good color for cardiac conditions, high blood pressure and ulcers.

Blue: It is a good color for respiratory illnesses or throat problems.

Indigo: It affects the brow chakra, and is a good color for all face and immunity problems.

Violet: It is a good color for improving immunity and arthritis, and also suppresses the appetite. It is also a good color for relieving headaches and migraines.